Why Formula 1 Was a Wild Success in Las Vegas, Despite Ticket Slump
On Nov. 18, Las Vegas hosted its first Formula 1 race in more than four decades.
Photographer: Mark Thompson/Getty Images North AmericaHi, it’s Hannah. I’m back home in Los Angeles after attending the first Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. A week later, I am still reeling.
This was the first F1 race in Las Vegas since the 1980s, and North America’s unprecedented fifth F1 race this year. (Miami, Austin, Mexico and Montreal hosted races, too.) Sin City and F1 would seem a perfect match, combining world-class hospitality, shopping, food and entertainment with America’s coolest new sport obsession. The pressure was nonetheless tremendous: After investing $600 million—including $240 million for a plot of land for building the paddock—F1 needed Las Vegas GP to be wildly fun and glamorous for attending fans and celebrities. Plus, it had to provide an exciting race for global TV viewers while making money for hotels and casinos.